UK carriers agree to cap bills on lost and stolen cellphones

It's bad to rack up steep cellphone bills through your own actions, but it's even worse if a thief does that on your behalf. Thankfully, the UK government has struck a deal with EE, Three, Virgin Media and Vodafone to cap bills on any cellphone reported lost or stolen after this spring. Brits on those networks won't be liable for more than £50, even if a mugger goes on a Netflix marathon. The agreement should also prevent other kinds of bill shock; carriers will be clearer about the chances of mid-contract rate hikes (with the option of ending that contract), and they'll help wipe out roaming charges by 2016. The UK's moves won't completely eliminate surprise costs -- not when O2 and other providers are missing from the deal, at least -- but it might help ease the blow.